Mustang Island

Mustang Island State Park provides 5 miles of open beach perfect for picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming and more.9601280

Mustang Island State Park provides 5 miles of open beach perfect for picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming and more.

Cliff1066, flickr

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

In the heart of Corpus Christi is the downtown Bayfront. You'll find some of the best restaurants, occasional pedicab or pediboat vendors and festivals along Shoreline Drive.9601280

In the heart of Corpus Christi is the downtown Bayfront. You'll find some of the best restaurants, occasional pedicab or pediboat vendors and festivals along Shoreline Drive.

Port Isabel

Port Isabel

9601280

Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach has everything you need for a family day at the beach: umbrella and chair rentals, a children's play area, an outdoor pavilion and more.9601280

Stewart Beach has everything you need for a family day at the beach: umbrella and chair rentals, a children's play area, an outdoor pavilion and more.

The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

Galveston Island

Galveston Island

The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort is popular for executive conferences thanks to its resort-like facility overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. 9601280

The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort is popular for executive conferences thanks to its resort-like facility overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

Port Aransas

Port Aransas

Whether you want to enjoy a sunset stroll or charter a boat for a deep-sea fishing adventure, Port Aranas (the only town on Mustang Island) is worth a visit.9601280

Whether you want to enjoy a sunset stroll or charter a boat for a deep-sea fishing adventure, Port Aranas (the only town on Mustang Island) is worth a visit.

Marcus Calderon, flickr

Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach

Much more under the radar is Boca Chica Beach, Texas' southernmost stretch of sand, whose only development is a series of stilt homes near the Brazos Santiago Pass.9601280

Much more under the radar is Boca Chica Beach, Texas' southernmost stretch of sand, whose only development is a series of stilt homes near the Brazos Santiago Pass.

J-No, flickr

South Padre Island

South Padre Island

Don't let this scenic view fool you, South Padre Island is spring break central and a popular year-round vacation spot due to its sub-tropical climate. It's by far the most bustling spot along the gulf with countless resort hotels, condo towers, retails shops and restaurants.9601280

Don't let this scenic view fool you, South Padre Island is spring break central and a popular year-round vacation spot due to its sub-tropical climate. It's by far the most bustling spot along the gulf with countless resort hotels, condo towers, retails shops and restaurants.

Longhorndave, flickr

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore

The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, Padre Island National Seashore's 70 miles of coastline protect a coastal prairie, a dune system and a nesting ground for the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle.9601280

The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, Padre Island National Seashore's 70 miles of coastline protect a coastal prairie, a dune system and a nesting ground for the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle.